Nepal is moving forward with a national Just Transition Strategy and Action Plan designed to align climate action with employment growth, social protection, and economic resilience as part of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
The initiative brings together the Government of Nepal, workers’ and employers’ organizations, businesses, climate experts, civil society groups, development partners, and the International Labour Organization to create a more inclusive and people-centered approach to climate policy.
The strategy aims to ensure that Nepal’s transition toward a greener and more climate-resilient economy also supports decent work opportunities, protects vulnerable workers and communities, and strengthens enterprises, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
Discussions are focused on how climate policies can create green jobs, improve workforce skills, expand social protection, and support communities facing economic and environmental risks linked to the transition toward low-carbon development.
The process will be guided by findings from Nepal’s Green Employment Diagnostics Report, supported by the ILO, which identifies areas where green employment opportunities can grow and where workers may require retraining or additional support.
Numan Özcan said Nepal has an opportunity to connect climate ambition with employment creation, skills development, and inclusive social progress. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that environmental policies also improve livelihoods and economic resilience.
Nepal’s NDC 3.0 includes plans for a dedicated institutional framework on Just Transition led by the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment, with participation from trade unions, employers’ associations, industry groups, and climate specialists.
Key priorities identified during the national dialogue include job creation, occupational safety and health, enterprise sustainability, social protection expansion, and stronger social dialogue mechanisms. The strategy also aims to ensure that women, young people, informal workers, vulnerable populations, and small businesses benefit from opportunities generated by climate action.
The initiative aligns with the ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition and broader global efforts under the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions.
Officials say the process is intended to create a long-term national framework linking climate commitments with labour market reforms and social development, helping Nepal build a greener economy that remains fair, inclusive, and economically sustainable.
